Coffee Break is a Christian devotional that is intended to help you in your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ... and if you don't have a relationship with Him, we want to help you find out how to have one.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

"Love Your Enemies"

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matthew 5:44

Did you notice that Jesus didn't say to love your family- your spouse, children, parents, siblings, love those in your close circle of friends, love those who love you already, love those who treat you good? His command jumped over those that you would naturally love anyway to those that you don't love-- your enemy. Why? Because this is exactly what He did. We were all His enemies because of our sin, yet He loved us.

He didn't wait to love us until we became His friends or His followers. If He had, He would still be waiting. Instead He loved us while we were enemies. His love for us was not just a "word" or an "emotion" or "feeling" that He had. It was also a demonstration. He demonstrated His love for us, His enemies, by sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins.

If we are truly His children, if we are truly His followers, then we are to love our enemies as well. And that love is more than words. It is demonstration for us as well. Is your enemy hungry? Feed him. Is he naked? Clothe him. Is he sick? Visit him or take him some soup. Is he hurting? Pray for him, send him a note letting him know that you are thinking about him. Do something nice for him- as you have opportunity. God did the same for us. Only His "nice" was much more than just "nice"-- He laid down His life for us and gave us the greatest gift possible- everlasting life.

Have a great day. Loving those who love you is one thing, but loving those who are your enemy is a "Godlike-thing".

For further reading:Matthew 5:43-48Romans 5:6-10John 3:16,171 John 4:19-21Ephesians 4:32Proverbs 25:21